The Best Garbage Disposals for 2022
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Best Garbage Disposal
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These devices are a must-have for any kitchen sink to remove food waste quickly and efficiently while avoiding potential blockages. To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best garbage disposals currently available.
UPDATED: April 13, 2022.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Waste King L-8000 because it features a powerful 1 HP motor and an easy plug-in installation.
What is a garbage disposal?
Disposals help to conveniently reduce the quantity of food scraps and leftovers sent to landfills and are an essential piece of equipment in any kitchen.
The most common type is the continuous feed disposer which simply means that the unit is turned on before inserting the food. Note that it is recommended to run the water in the sink during operation to assist with the movement of particles through the chamber.
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Operation
There are variations between how different models operate but the way in which they process scraps is essentially the same. Items to be discarded are fed through the rubber drain cover called the splashguard, which prevents food from jumping back out. Some models feature a removable splash guard which makes it easier for cleaning and retrieving objects that have been dropped into the drain.
The food then enters the grinding chamber where metal impellers throw the food against an outer grinding ring that pulverizes it into particles small enough to pass through the openings and then into the drain. This process is powered by an electric motor which can range from 1/3 to 1 horsepower with a speed of up to approximately 2,800 RPM, depending on the model.
Noise
A common complaint with disposals is that they are loud. However, modern manufacturers have found methods to reduce the noise. These methods include insulation which helps to reduce the sound produced by the motor and grinding action. Also, the sink baffle can be designed to help reduce the sound coming directly out of the drain. These techniques along with highly balanced components have helped to reduce the noise common with older units.
Antimicrobial Technology
Some models use an antimicrobial agent that is molded permanently into the disposer components. This helps to reduce the incidence of bacteria growth and odors caused by food waste.
Jams
Jams can happen for a variety of reasons such as putting in too much food at once or accidentally dropping a knife in the opening. To reduce the risk of damage, most units feature an overload protector switch that is tripped in the event of a serious jam. The obstruction then needs to be removed or cleared then the switch on the unit can be turned back on.
Installation
Depending on the model, it will be powered by a hard-wired electrical connection or a simple outlet plug. If an under sink outlet is available it is a simple matter of plugging it in. Otherwise, a hard-wired hookup will require an electrician. The on/off switch is typically located on the wall near the sink or a button on the countertop.
If you prefer a professional installation over DIY, I recommend using HomeAdvisor. Simply search for “Install Disposal”, fill in your requirements, and they will send you up to four bids for free. Learn more at HomeAdvisor.com
Now, on to the individual products. I’ve compiled a list of the top models available from well-known manufacturers including Waste King, InSinkErator, Moen, and more. Each unit has been assigned a key feature that makes it particularly noteworthy and has been broken down according to its essential functions to help you make an informed selection.
So here is my list of The Best Garbage Disposals for 2022.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: Waste King L-8000 1 HP Garbage Disposal
The Waste King L-8000 offers easy plug-in installation so there is no need for electrical wiring or a separate power cord.
Features a compact design to minimize the amount of space taken up under the sink.
Equipped with a motor that quickly gets up to speed to reduce the incidence of jams.
Includes a removable splash guard to easily remove a lost fork or clean it out.
Features a manual reset button which is a safety feature that will shut it off in the case of an overload or jam.
Runs with a wall switch or sink-mounted air switch.
Powered by a one-horsepower motor at 2,800 RPM.
Check out this brief installation video of the Waste King L-8000:
Runner-up: InSinkErator Evolution Excel 1 HP Garbage Disposal
The InSinkErator Evolution Excel features a powerful Dura-Drive induction motor.
Features sensor that automatically increases torque by 500% to break through tough jams.
Includes the “MultiGrind” system that offers grind stages to further reduce food scraps.
Features insulation and vibration connections to reduce noise.
Equipped with a collar sink baffle to minimize noise.
Features an auto-reverse system to change the direction to prevent a jam.
Equipped with the quick-lock sink mount allows for easy installation and replacement.
Constructed from stainless steel components to resist rust and corrosion.
Powered by a one-horsepower motor.
Must-have Accessory
Don't forget the dishwasher connector kit.
Best Value: Waste King L-2600 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal
The Waste King L-2600 features a motor that quickly achieves full speed, reducing the possibility of jams.
Features continuous feed disposal activates via a wall switch or sink-mounted air switch and runs until it is turned off.
Equipped with a removable splash guard makes it easy to clean the disposal and clear objects from the drain.
Includes a manual reset button is a safety feature that will shut it off in the event of an overload or jam.
Powered by a 1/2 horsepower motor with 2,600 RPM.
Best Mount: InSinkErator 1/2 HP Badger 5 Garbage Disposal
The InSinkErator features a quick lock sink mount that allows for easy installation and disposal replacement.
Equipped with a polished stainless steel sink flange.
Compatible with most three-bolt mounting assemblies.
Powered by a 1/2 horsepower dura-drive induction motor.
Note: a power cord is not included.
Best for an Easy Install: Moen GX50C 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal
The Moen GX50C features the Universal Xpress Mount system.
Equipped with SoundSHIELD insulation to help reduce noise without sacrificing performance.
Fits most three-bolt mounting assemblies with a simple twist-and-lock installation.
Features a pre-installed power cord, no need to hardwire or purchase a cord separately.
Powered by a 1/2 horsepower Vortex permanent magnet motor with 2,600 RPM.
Constructed with stainless steel grind components.
Best Splash Guard: Whirlaway 291 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal
The Whirlaway 291 features the EZ-mount system for a quick installation.
Constructed with heavy-gauge steel cutting components for long-lasting durability.
Includes a removable splash guard for easy cleaning and access to dropped objects.
Equipped with a corrosion-proof mounting ring.
Features stainless steel anti-jam swivel impellers.
Powered by an energy-efficient 1/2 horsepower motor.
Best Space-Saving Design: InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal
The InSinkErator Evolution Compact features a space-saving design at just 12.13 inches tall to reduce the required area under the sink.
Equipped with MultiGrind which offers two grind stages quickly grinds difficult food waste.
Features a 34.6-ounce grind chamber.
Constructed with stainless steel grind components for durability and corrosion resistance.
Powered by 3/4 horsepower Dura-Drive induction motor.
Equipped with a quiet collar sink baffle for reduced noise when in operation.
Best Budget Option: Waste Maid 58 1/2 HP Economy Garbage Disposal
The Waste Maid 58 features an antimicrobial agent molded permanently into the disposer components.
Features Bio-Shield is used to reduce odors and the growth of micro-organisms.
Equipped with a continuous-feed operation that reduces food and helps prevent clogging or jamming.
Includes a removable splash guard for easy cleaning.
Utilizes high-speed and torque permanent magnet motors.
Features stainless steel anti-jam impellers and cutting ring.
Includes a corrosion-proof grinding chamber.
Powered by a 1/2 horsepower motor with 2,600 RPM.
Best for Small Residences: General Electric GFC320V 1/3 HP Garbage Disposal
The General Electric GFC320V features a powerful grinding action that reduces food waste to small particles, making the unit safe for any properly sized septic system.
Features an advanced insulation package that helps ensure super-quiet operation.
Features a two-level precutter and stainless-steel, jam-resistant, dual-swivel impellers.
Equipped with a manual reset for overload protection.
Features a direct-wire method of power.
Equipped with an on/off wall switch with a sink stopper.
Powered by a 1/3 horsepower motor with 2,500 RPM.
Best Antimicrobial: Titan 10-US-TN-560-3B 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal
The 1/2 HP Titan T-560 is treated with Bio shield which is an antimicrobial agent to reduce the incidence of bacteria growth and odors.
Designed to minimize the operating noise by using balanced components.
Features a master grinding system for maximum speed and torque.
Powered by a 1/2 horsepower 2,600 RPM motor.
Equipped with anti-jam stainless steel impellers.
Includes a removable splash guard.
Features a three-bolt mount.
I hope this list of the best garbage disposals was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
